Rogers Corson Brooks

Rogers "Rod" Corson Brooks, 101, a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died at his home in Arlington, VA, and went to his heavenly home August 8, 2017. He was a true gentleman until the end, always in good spirits and ready to make a witty joke. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force who fought in World War II, and later worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for over 30 years.

Born November 12, 1915, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, to the late Samuel Robert Brooks and Dorothy Heister (Corson) Brooks, Rogers spent his early years in Washington, Georgia. He returned to Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1934. He studied at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science and continued at the UVA School of Law acquiring his law degree in 1942. While at UVA, he met his future wife Roby "Thelma" Gordon from La Crosse, Virginia, a nursing student at Medical College of Virginia.

Rogers was drafted into military service with the Army Air Corps in March 1942. Rogers and Thelma were married October 19, 1942, in a chapel at Fort Dix, New Jersey, one day before he departed for North Africa where he served during WW II, until October 10, 1946. He received a Bronze Star, among other medals for his service. After returning from war, he and his wife settled in Alexandria and then finally in Arlington, Virginia.

After returning from war, he continued to serve his country working for the War Assets Administration until December 1947. He then went to work for the CIA in March 1948 and dedicated nearly another 31 years to his country. He remained in the US Air Force Reserves until November 12, 1975, when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon his retirement from the CIA in 1979, he remained in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife Thelma, where they attended Cherrydale Baptist Church.

After 58 years of marriage, Rogers was predeceased by Thelma on May 3, 2001. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Samuel Brooks. He is survived by his two children: Diane Gordon Benton (Rich) of Fairfax, Virginia; and Rogers "Roddy" C. Brooks, Jr.(Joyce) of Falls Church, Virginia; four grandchildren: Matthew Benton (Laura) of Burke, Virginia; Sarah Benton of Arlington, Virginia; Carolyn Benton of Seoul, South Korea; and Samuel "Cory" Brooks of Falls Church, Virginia; two great-grandchildren: Titus and Ella; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held on February 2, 2018, at 11:00 AM at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel, with interment immediately following at Arlington National Cemetery.